DIY Updated Office Board

I needed a board for my office. I wanted something to stick notes on - either a cork or magnetic board, plus something to write on - either a chalk or dry erase board. I searched the web for some DIY inspiration.

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I had so many ideas, I already found it hard to decide what I really wanted. I think I want a magnetic board instead of a cork board for my notes since I have magnets I haven't used yet. But at the same time, I have fabric I want to use to cover up a cork board. I wanted to use glass as a dry erase board but I like the industrial feel of a galvanized metal sheet. I spent days and days bugging my boyfriend what he thought was the best option (and I thank God for a boyfriend who listens and does his best to input and be involved in my interests!!!)

As we were purging a lot of stuff in our school, I stumbled upon this piece

(If this belongs to any of my siblings, I'm sorry I took over it already, and thank you!) Well, it wasn't as stylish as I was hoping for but it had all the function I required.

I was okay with the wood finish. But I knew I had to update it since the cork part isn't usable anymore. And since I'm gonna do some upgrading, I thought why not go ahead and paint it as well. And that's what I did.

I covered the whiteboard area with craft paper and secured all the edges with masking tape. I didn't bother covering the cork anymore since I will cover it with another sheet. From scrap cork, of course.

 I didn't sand or prime. I just wiped it clean and spray painted away.

For the cork sheets, I just used scraps and attached them to get the size I need. I used spray adhesive to bond it to a cardboard.

I then completely covered it with burlap. I used spray adhesive for the front, and stapled the back. It was really simple.

And then I just used spray adhesive again to attach the whole thing back to the board. I don't know how long it will hold but if ever it comes off, I might use rugby to attach it again.

The black goes well with the spray painted pineapple juice cans I used to hold my pens.

I think a simple fix went a long way. I can't wait to hang this above my table!

I'm the type who always leans towards simple and less design as possible. Any person could do something completely different, design wise, but this is really perfect for me and my space. Again, this project cost me nothing, and that's probably one of my favorite things about my projects lately. Although, I'm already running low on burlap...haha.

I am so happy and excited how our simple office renovation gives me a lot of opportunities to make small projects and DIY's. I know it's probably going to take me months to complete my space but each little step is so fulfilling given that I made them.

DIY Shoebox Caddy

I saw this project in Youtube and I can't wait to try it. I've also been thinking of a project I can do without having to use paint or screws like what we've been having in the office lately. One Sunday night and on-hand materials was all it took.

I'm starting off with an empty shoebox. I picked something that was fairly big since I want to put as much supplies as I can.

Cut off the cover. Keep it for later.

For the box, and using the long side, find the center and draw a triangle to serve as your guide. Do this for both sides.

Then cut like so.

And then, though this is a bit tricky, fold your box like so to form 2 compartments. Be careful to not rip your box and try to do it as neat as possible.

Tape down the middle to bond the 2 sides together. I also put tape on the edges to create cleaner lines.

Using the box cover, measure off the height you'll need to close the compartments.

I cut it to height and also cut the side where there used to be a flap (to lessen the thickness for when I attach it to its side). I also taped the sides for neat edges.

For the covering, I used craft paper. I traced the side of my caddy, then cut a few centimeters larger than it. I also sliced some edges prior to covering so the sides will fold easily.

For the front and back, I chose to use jute sack. I traced it again and cut about half an inch more.

Completely cover the outside. This process really depends on the materials you're using. I saw a tutorial using fabric, and others just used papers all around it. Just make sure to create clean lines and edges. I just used spray adhesive for the whole thing :)

I also covered it inside. Notice the booboo haha. But it won't be seen when it's completely filled with supplies so yay!

An additional option was to add a divider. With this I just used the remaining pieces of cardboard and covered it still with my fabric.

And it slips in nicely :)

And yes I cannot wait to fill it up!

I used tissue paper rolls to hold my pens. It's free and I think it goes well with the theme of this caddy.

To coral the paper clips, I used a DIY box made from paper and covered it with phone book pages.

So happy with this little project! I am of course thinking of excuses to make one again :))

DIY: Reupholstered Office Chair

Finally posting my first DIY for my tiny office! My office chair definitely needed some updating. I found a tutorial from HGTV Handmade Youtube channel and since then, I couldn’t wait to dismantle my chair. Haha. Here’s what it looked like before:

The fabric I used was once a dress I thrifted and I only bought it because I liked the print. And the fact that it only costs P30.00 was a no brainer. I kept it in my closet waiting for the perfect opportunity to fabricate (put fabric HAHAHA) something. I was thinking I’ll probably do a bulletin board or pillow but then it got to me, this was finally it, pancit!

I disassembled the chair. It was actually my very first time to unscrew something and it was fairly easy haha. The tutorial I found just reupholstered over the original fabric and that’s what I did. 

Measure and cut the amount of fabric you’ll need and staple away. I only used an ordinary office stapler for this one.

When I was finished, I tried putting it in its backing and it wouldn’t fit! Also, I realized that the foam was sooooo dirty so my mom helped me and washed it. I did it also for the larger piece. We let it dry overnight and did my best to keep my excitement for another day.

While letting the foams dry, I went ahead and removed the remaining fabric and staples at the back of the ply woods. It was really hard to remove them and I think I used every tool possible. In the end, I still wasn’t able to remove all but I think I was able to take out most of it.

The next day, of course I proceeded with my upholstery.

The back doesn’t look neat at all, but the end result was very nice!

 

Here it is screwed into the backing and its stem.

Let’s not forget the before and after photo which never fails to plaster a permanent smile on my face!!!

 An additional update I did was spray painting it to white. I would lie if I say I super love the outcome. But I guess that's part of DIY-ing. Trying and testing and learning from your decisions. Anyway, this was the process:

Unscrew everything again, lay it down on some scrap boxes or paper,  wipe everything clean, and spray paint away. I have no idea yet about priming and fixating so this is the only process I did. I applied 3 coats of paint and it was able to fully cover it.

Once the paint dried, I tried to fit the upholstered foam right away. Sino excited? :)))

I had a really big booboo for the back part. The plyboard and foam won't unscrew anymore so I tried my best to insert pieces of paper between the foam and the portion I'm about to paint. And well, though I was able to paint it, it didn't turn out as nice as the bigger piece. And it failed big time I can't even show it to you :(

But I can show you more photos of the back! HAHAHA.

I'm sorry for the messy background. But that's real life. Haha.

I would have wanted to also remove the adjusting rings below (whatever you may call it) but I have no idea how to remove them so I had to live with it. Overall, I'm happy with the result. I don't know if I'll reupholster some more in the future but I think this was already a good start. Now for the rest of my office. Yay! :)